"This is one of the last industries where the subject is off limits," Welts told the newspaper. "Nobody's comfortable in engaging in a conversation."

According to the report, Welts talked separately to NBA commissioner David Stern, Suns guard Steve Nash, Hall of Famer Bill Russell and founding WNBA president Val Ackerman to discuss the message he wished to convey in making his sexual orientation public.

Stern was not taken aback or even surprised by the conversation, though he did assume beforehand that Welts, whose 40-year NBA career began as a ball boy, had wanted to meet to discuss career advice, according to The Times.

"What I didn't say at the time was: I think there's a good chance the world will find this unremarkable," Stern told The Times. "I don't know if I was confusing my thoughts with my hopes."

Nash held a similar perspective.

"Anyone who's not ready for this needs to catch up," Nash said. "He's doing anyone who's not ready for this a favor."

I agree with Rich, not going to change a thing right now. FO types are still too far behind the scenes to get much identification with for most fans, IMO players see this so it doesn't lend itself to giving them much confidence about coming out.

Frankly IMO none of these athletes should feel the need to come out if they are gay anyway. If they do come out on their own then fine.

Criminals in this town used to believe in things...honor, respect."I heard your dog is sick, so bought you this shovel"

An executive nobody knows, or marginal players post retirement are the only ones on record at this point.

A big one, that causes ESPN to cover it like nothing else is going on in the world, and it'll come out that not enough people really give a shit. Save for a few of the same cats that, in lieu of real jobs, are able to protest about some sort on nonsense all day.

Anyone reading this who happens to be gay (besides Peeker) could give a shit that LP is straight, just like LP could give a shit if the reader is gay. None of my business.

In regards to sports, I don't care who you dig, just put the ball in the basket, drag some linebackers into the end zone and hit some taters.

Real Sports last year did a piece on Gareth Thomas, a Welsh rugby star who has come out and is the only current openly gay male athlete. He talked about himself agonizing on whether to tell his team mates, battled rage and depression for years until he told his teammates and his teammates, at least those interviewed, were supportive. Mayve the UK guys can give more info. But it hasn't led to anyone else coming out. The backlash from the fans- the taunting during the games- has been as expected, the IQ of the group is less than the individual. It didn't seem to bother Thomas as he was interviewed.

The rest of the RS bunch discussed the piece as a round table discussion after it aired, Bryant Gumbel thought that this would lead to a mass coming out party, Andrea Kramer laughed it him (Gumbel's reaction was priceless BTW) and chastised his naivete. I'd have to agree, sadly, with AK there. We may see an individual sport athlete before one of the 5 major team sports, but I do think it is going to be a long time and would take higher caliber player for people to notice. However, if LeBron and D-Wade come out, then the flood gates will open .